If you’re thinking about getting breast implants, one of the biggest factors in your decision will likely be how natural they look and feel. After all, the whole point of breast augmentation for many women is to achieve a fuller, plumper breast shape while still maintaining a natural appearance and sensations. With the different implant options available, it can be tough to determine which type will give you the most natural-feeling results.

That’s why I’ve done comprehensive research into the different breast implant materials and styles to determine which ones tend to look and feel the most like natural breasts. In this blog post, I’ll guide you through all the key considerations so you can make a fully informed choice.

Silicone vs. Saline

The two main types of breast implant fillings are silicone gel and saline (salt water) solutions. For years, saline was the only type. Since the FDA approved silicone implants in 2006 after years of vigourous safety testing, they have rapidly grown in popularity due to their more natural look and feel.

Saline implants tend to feel firmer and more uniform compared to natural breast tissue since the saline solution maintains the same consistency throughout the implant. Silicone gel, on the other hand, is designed to mimic the feel of natural breast fat with a softer, more viscous composition. Many doctors and patients agree that silicone more closely approximates the natural slope and sensations of real breasts.

Implant Profiles 

In addition to the filler material, implant manufacturers produce implants in different profiles or levels of projection. Higher projection (HP) implants feel firmer and project outward more, while moderate-plus (MP) projection implants slope gradually for a more natural, teardrop shape.

For the most natural-feeling results, the majority of breast surgeons recommend selecting an MP or moderate projection implant, especially for slimmer patients who don’t need as much forward projection. These implants allow more natural movement and a suppler feel compared to the tighter, more artificial-feeling HP styles.

Surface Types

Implant shells come in different surface textures that can also affect the overall look and feel. Smooth surface implants move more freely, creating a soft, natural drape over the chest, while textured implants adhere slightly to the surrounding tissue to maintain a firmer, more projected shape.

Many surgeons believe textured implants provide a more sloped, teardrop contour for a natural-looking upper pole. However, smooth implants may provide a softer, more natural tactile sensation, especially in the lower breast areas.

Shaped vs Round

Finally, the shape of the implant plays a major role in how natural it looks and feels. Traditional round implants provide more uniform fullness but don’t approximate the natural breast slope as well as shaped “gummy bear” implants made of highly cohesive gel.

The tapered design of shaped implants allows them to mimic the gradual slope of natural breast tissue, with more projection at the bottom and a gently fading contour towards the top. Many patients feel that shaped implants closely resemble the look and feel of natural breasts.

Incision Types

The final factor that can affect how natural breast implants feel is the incision location used during surgery. Implants placed through an inframammary (underneath the breast) incision often look and feel more natural since the surgeon can minimally detach the existing breast tissue.

Meanwhile, implants placed through a periareolar (nipple) incision may have more potential for rippling and movement inconsistencies since more tissue is detached. So the inframammary approach may provide a slight edge for a smooth, integrated feel.

Conclusion

Although breast implants involve artificial components, certain types and insertion methods can achieve remarkably natural-looking and natural-feeling results. 

Of course, every woman’s body and aesthetic goals are different, so it’s important to have an open discussion with your breast surgeon about your ideal look and feel. With so many customisable options these days, the perfect natural-feeling breasts may be just an enhancement away.